TRENTON – In response to what could be one of New Jersey’s worst blood shortages,

Health and Senior Services Commissioner Clifton R. Lacy, M.D. urges New Jersey residents to call their local blood bank and make an appointment to donate blood in the coming months.

Beginning with the Memorial Day weekend, due to summer vacations, there is typically much less blood donation than at other times of the year. According to the state’s blood centers, supplies are critically low this year, already forcing delivery cutbacks and rationing to area hospitals.

“New Jersey has blood collection sites throughout the state that make it convenient to donate blood wherever you may be during the summer months,” stated Dr. Lacy. “Donating blood is vitally important – it is an action that ultimately translates into lives saved.”

The potential for a shortage of blood is a serious concern for those responsible for delivering critical medical care.The State of New Jersey imports approximately 64,000 pints of blood annually from other states.However, local blood centers across the country are also in short supply, thereby eliminating this source of blood for New Jersey.

Now, more than ever, the state’s blood centers need blood donors to include regular blood donation in their summer plans.Businesses, community groups, schools and religious institutions are also urged to support their neighbors and community by making both individual blood donations and organizing blood drives.

To find the closest blood drive or donor center, people may consult the directory below or consult the Department’s website at www.state.nj.us/health and click on the “Give Blood”icon.